Swallowing Safely

Remember that good nutrition is about what you eat and drink as well as how safely you are able to swallow. Swallowing problems occur frequently in Parkinson disease at all stages of the disease. Exercise can help swallowing as well as speech, particularly if you start exercises early. If you suspect any difficulty with swallowing or have experienced more frequent coughing during mealtimes or unintended weight loss, then discuss this with your physician at the first opportunity. Request an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist who will examine how your muscles work during swallowing and make safe swallow recommendations that are right for you.

Please write to us at this forum if you would like further information about swallowing and how it is affected by PD.

Thank you for writing to share your view on the importance of safe swallowing.

Many people with PD may not be aware of the problem until it is quite severe. Talking about it on the forum will help raise awareness about swallowing problems that accompany PD so that people can take action early.

Leslie Mahler

Remember that good nutrition is about what you eat and drink as well as how safely you are able to swallow. Swallowing problems occur frequently in Parkinson disease at all stages of the disease. Exercise can help swallowing as well as speech, particularly if you start exercises early. If you suspect any difficulty with swallowing or have experienced more frequent coughing during mealtimes or unintended weight loss, then discuss this with your physician at the first opportunity. Request an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist who will examine how your muscles work during swallowing and make safe swallow recommendations that are right for you.

Please write to us at this forum if you would like further information about swallowing and how it is affected by PD.